The Highland Husky volleyball team had a 5-7 game record against some tough comeptition at the Washington Tournament last Saturday.

The Huskies opened the Tournement with a strong win over Sigourney (15-6, 15-10). Highland then split with a tough Regina team (15-11, 6-15) and with Washington (11-15, 15-12). The competition got much tougher in the afternoon sesson with the Huskies winning only one game from Wilton (13-15, 15-9) and getting smothered by Mid-Prairie (0-15, 9-15). Highland then gave tournment champions and local and conference rival IMS one of their toughest tests of the day, despite losing both games (7-15, 16-17).

“We played 11 out of 12 games very well,” Highland coach Jamie Pugh said. “I was pleased with the offense and the hustle.”

Jenny Sweeting had a strong tournament for Highland, recording 15 kills, 22 assists, 56 digs, and serving 24-for-29 with nine aces. Krist Burich had a good day at the net with eight kills and 12 blocks. Michelle Ossman had nine kills and was 37-for-45 serving with nine aces. Lyndi Hazelett recorded eight kills, 24 assists, and served 43-for-53 with 13 aces. Jesi Hawkins fired off eight aces and had 53 digs.

Last Tuesday at Lone Tree, the Huskies defeated the rival Lady Lions 16-14, 15-3, 12-15, 15-6.

Coach Jamie Pugh said the despite the win, her team let Lone Tree back into the game on several occasions.

“We played well in spurts,” Pugh said. “Lone Tree always plays us tough.”

Jesi Hawkins had an excellent night for Highland, serving 25-for-27 with seven aces for 17 service points. Hawkins laso had two kills, three blocks, 17 digs, and was 15-for-18 in serve receive. Michelle Ossman was 16-for-17 with five aces and Lyndi Hazelett served 17-for-19 with four aces.

Krista Burich led the attack with five kills while Ossman added four. Jenny Sweeting and Hazelett each put up seven assists. Burich also had 13 digs for the Huskies.

On Thursday, the Huskies dropped a match to up-and-coming Columbus 15-4, 16-14, 15-10 at Riverside.

Coach Pugh reported that her team again played well in streaks, putting in a good performance defensively, covering the hitters and blocking well. However, the Highland hitting game was off, preventing the Huskies to put points on the board.

Jesi Hawkins was a perfect 16-for-16 in serving with three aces and 10 digs. Rebecca Stransky served 7-for-7 with two aces. Krista Burich led the hitters with six kills while Jenny Sweeting had five. Michelle Ossman had six digs.

Highland is now 8-6-2 overall and 1-4 in the SEISC.